Sea West’s Rottnest Cruises Luxe Island Seafood Cruise has been named a top food experience, listed alongside some of the best in the world, on three separate occasions.
A family-run business, Sea West is committed to excellence in all of its cruises, which includes Mandurah Cruises.
The Luxe Island Seafood Cruise was named in The 100 most delicious food experience in Australia for The Daily Telegraph (7 February), in the global Yahoo! Life article ‘The cruises foodies NEED to add to their bucket list’ (13 January), and on Food Wine Travel website ‘Eat your heart out on these top food and wine cruises’ (5 December). It’s also listed by Tourism Australia as the top three ‘must do experiences’ in Western Australia.
Departing from Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, the 69-foot, three-level deluxe charter vessel is crewed by locals, all of whom live in Mandurah, with many having family members who also work for Sea West.
Sea West owner Myrianthe Riddy said no other cruise company offers this experience in Australia.
“The Luxe Island Seafood Cruise is a complete sensory experience making it perfect for seafood lovers, those keen to experience catching a cray, as well as those who enjoy the finer things in life,” Ms Riddy said.
“We take great pride in offering the best experience for our guests on all of our cruises with a special focus on the food offering, which is why we have WA’s best chef, Tony Howell, on the team overseeing all the culinary aspects and managing the kitchen team.
“Being a small, family-run business is very rewarding, which also presents challenges, let’s not sugar coat it, running a floating hospitality business isn’t always easy, but the thing I’m immensely proud of is our team.
“Some of them have worked for us since we bought the business in 2016 and I think the family element in our organisation is our strength and creates a vibe that resonates with our guests.”
Part of the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise is the opportunity to participate in the unique experience of helping the crew pull up lobster pots, catching Western Rock Lobsters (crayfish) while learning about this sustainable ocean delicacy.
Checked for sustainability and industry standards first, the freshly caught lobster is prepared and cooked there and then on a barbeque on board and lathered with garlic butter for an authentic sea-to-plate experience.
The four-hour epicurean odyssey menu was designed by executive chef Tony Howell to showcase the best of Western Australian produce.
“I’m passionate about fresh, local and sustainable produce and I’m really, really picky when it comes to seafood, which is why we only serve the freshest and the best,” said Mr Howell.
The degustation menu often features Abrolhos Island Scallops, Fremantle Octopus, Shark Bay Tiger Prawns, Cone Bay Barramundi, fresh veg and fruit from the Southern Forests and South West, and naturally, just-caught lobster.
Aboard The Crusader III, sail away with cocktails and canapes, then a white tableclothed long table is prepared for a feast of fresh local seafood, salads, accompaniments and dessert.
The all-inclusive drinks list includes house-made gin cocktails, complimentary glasses of premium Margaret River Howard Park wines and locally brewed craft beer.
Authentically Western Australian, the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise exemplifies Rottnest’s unique character, fishing heritage and breathtaking scenery offering enviable views of Rottnest Island’s pristine sandy beaches and iconic ocean blues.
While anchored in a pristine bay off Rottnest Island, the float mats are deployed and guests have the option for a swim or to blissfully relax on a sundeck while soaking in the magical 360-degree island views.
Private and corporate bookings are available. For more information and bookings, visit rottnestcruises.com.
Welcome Aboard.